The winter months dig in, the cold grips the air. Boots, hats, gloves. coats, and mittens fill lockers. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and long-sleeves are the call. Outdoor recess often takes a back seat to the frigid cold that surrounds us. Children grow antsy. The need for outdoor play intensifies as it is denied. Energies are redirected into other activities. Movement in the classroom becomes more of a necessity in order to allow for that release of energy.
Energy can also be harnessed in the process of learning. Over the years I have found that even though "stored" energy as a result of "lack of outdoor play" can be reigned in and put to good use on a mental level. Having students engage in challenging educational endeavors, promoting group activities that require discussions, asking them to try new technologies, and encouraging them to try, try again are all ways of capturing that 'pent-up" energies.
Often teachers will complain about the "dreaded winter months" as the Fall slips into Winter. Understandably so, I might add. And while we cannot take control of the weather; and we cannot realistically take control of student behaviors, we can control how we not only approach this time of year, but also what we ask our students to engage in during this time. Finding their interests (as a group & individually) allows for one to create an environment that provides an opportunity for kids to use that energy which has found its way into their daily "winter" life.
Promotion of discussions, interactive learning, stations, technology, and challenges are what I have become to rely on to help us weather the weather.
Energy can also be harnessed in the process of learning. Over the years I have found that even though "stored" energy as a result of "lack of outdoor play" can be reigned in and put to good use on a mental level. Having students engage in challenging educational endeavors, promoting group activities that require discussions, asking them to try new technologies, and encouraging them to try, try again are all ways of capturing that 'pent-up" energies.
Often teachers will complain about the "dreaded winter months" as the Fall slips into Winter. Understandably so, I might add. And while we cannot take control of the weather; and we cannot realistically take control of student behaviors, we can control how we not only approach this time of year, but also what we ask our students to engage in during this time. Finding their interests (as a group & individually) allows for one to create an environment that provides an opportunity for kids to use that energy which has found its way into their daily "winter" life.
Promotion of discussions, interactive learning, stations, technology, and challenges are what I have become to rely on to help us weather the weather.
Mr. Casten
Jan. 23, 2015
Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten